Turtle Peas

Half-runner with slightly variable climbing tendency. Pods variable in color. Most pods are solid green when immature but some have a light purple blush. Green immature pods develop a light purple blush at maturity and those with a light purple blush become solid purple at maturity. Pods are very tough and fibrous at all stages. Weak suture string. Highly pubescent pods. Most plants have dark green leaves and green stems; some have purple pigmentation at the nodes and a few have more extensive pigmentation along the stem. Purple flowers. Mature pods measure 3.5-5" long by 0.4" wide. Leathery podded dry pods. Commonly eight seeds per pod. Solid black, small seeds are strongly cuboid from pod crowding. Dry beans have an excellent black bean flavor and smooth texture. Thin skin. Mid-season maturing. Average productivity when grown in 2013 at Heritage Farm. This variety came to SSE circa 2002 from the collection of Dr. David Bradshaw (Professor Emeritus) Horticulture Dept., Clemson University. Dr. Bradshaw received this variety from the J.E. Hernandez family, Lexington, KY. As of 2013, the Clemson website stated: "The seeds came from the Pinar del Rio Province in western Cuba to Kentucky with Mr. Hernandez over 75 years ago. It has been in his family for well over 100 years. The mature dried seeds are harvested and used primarily for the tasty Cuban dish "black beans and rice"." Therefore, SSE estimates the Hernandez family stewardship goes back to at least circa 1910. Previously distributed by SSE as COWPEA 227 'Turtle Peas'. SSE Accession # 109022